You may be ready to break ground on a home renovation or start your latest DIY, but is your wallet?<\/p>\n
It pays to budget for the cost of a project before you get started \u2014 whether you\u2019re spending upwards of $10,000 on a kitchen or bathroom remodel or you just want to freshen up your outdoor space.<\/p>\n
No matter how big or small your project is, the right credit card can help you earn rewards and even gain some extra time to pay off your balance without interest. These are our top credit card picks for maximizing home improvement spending.<\/p>\n
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Annual fee<\/p>\n
$0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Welcome offer<\/p>\n
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Introductory Purchases APR<\/p>\n
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Recommended credit score<\/p>\n
Excellent\/Good<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Rewards rate<\/p>\n
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- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\n
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (includes takeout and eligible delivery service)<\/li>\n
- 1.5% on all other purchases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Benefits<\/p>\n
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- You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts<\/li>\n
- Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more<\/li>\n
- Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
Why we like it:<\/strong> While its highest rewards categories may not be the most useful for your project, the Chase Freedom Unlimited does carry a lot of value in its minimum 1.5% on all purchases.<\/p>\n
The Chase Freedom Unlimited also has an intro 0% APR period. So while you\u2019re earning those extra rewards over the first year, you won\u2019t pay any added interest charges. Just make sure to pay down your balance before the 15-month intro period is up to avoid the standard variable APR.<\/p>\n
Learn more: <\/strong>See our picks for the best Chase credit card<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Annual fee<\/p>\n
$0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Welcome offer<\/p>\n
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Introductory Purchases APR<\/p>\n
0% on purchases for 15 months<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Recommended credit score<\/p>\n
Excellent, Good<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Rewards rate<\/p>\n
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- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)<\/li>\n
- 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)<\/li>\n
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)<\/li>\n
- 1% cash back on all other purchases<\/li>\n
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Benefits<\/p>\n
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- Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers<\/li>\n
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday\u00ae Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, hulu.com, or plus.espn.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)<\/li>\n
- Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee \u2014\u00a0select the purchase in your online account or the American Express\u00ae App to see your plan options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
Why we like it:<\/strong> The Blue Cash Everyday from Amex is already among our top cash-back credit cards for everyday spending, but it can also add major value to your home improvement plans. If you\u2019re planning to order any of your tools, supplies, furniture, appliances, or other necessities for your project online, you\u2019ll get 3% back on up to $6,000 per year. If you max out that category over the year, you could total $180 cash back toward home improvement spending \u2014 and that\u2019s before accounting for added rewards at the supermarket or gas station.<\/p>\n
Like other cards on our list, you\u2019ll also enjoy 15 months of 0% interest on your purchases with the Blue Cash Everyday. So if you\u2019re looking to finance the new couch or washer-dryer set you order online, this card will give you extra time to pay it off while you earn rewards.<\/p>\n
Read more: <\/strong>Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card review<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Annual fee<\/p>\n
$0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Welcome offer<\/p>\n
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Purchase APR<\/p>\n
17.49% – 27.49% variable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Introductory APR<\/p>\n
0% intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (variable APR of 17.49% – 27.49% after the intro APR ends)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Rewards rate<\/p>\n
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- 3% cash back + 3% first-year cash back bonus in the category of your choice*<\/li>\n
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs<\/li>\n
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases<\/li>\n
- *Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (unlimited 1% after that); after the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Benefits<\/p>\n
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- Bank of America Preferred Rewards\u00ae members can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase<\/li>\n
- Choose which category you want to earn 6% cash back in for the first year: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
Why we like it:<\/strong> The Bank of America Customized Cash card may require some strategizing, but it\u2019s one of the most rewarding cash-back credit cards for home improvement purchases. If you choose home improvement and furnishings as your choice 3% category, you can potentially get up to $75 back each quarter before maxing out the category. Depending on the length of your project, you can continue to choose this category and keep earning 3% rewards.<\/p>\n
Finally, you can maximize your spending even more if you\u2019re already a Bank of America customer. Through the Preferred Rewards program, you can earn 25% to 75% more on your spending (depending on the tier you qualify for based on your combined balances across eligible Bank of America and Merrill accounts). That could increase your 3% home improvement rewards to a potential 3.75% to 5.25% cash back.<\/p>\n
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Benefits<\/p>\n
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- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft ($25 deductible applies)<\/li>\n
- 0% introductory APR is useful to finance large purchases or transfer a balance from another card<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
Why we like it:<\/strong> This card may not earn you any rewards on home improvement spending, but it does carry the longest 0% APR intro period you\u2019ll find today. You\u2019ll have a full 21 months after opening your Wells Fargo Reflect before any of your purchases begin to earn interest. If you don\u2019t already have the full amount of cash you\u2019ll need to complete your project, this is a great way to give yourself some extra time without taking on any added costs.<\/p>\n
Just make sure to keep track of your balances and timeline. If you don\u2019t pay your card\u2019s balance in full before the 21-month intro period ends, you\u2019ll start accruing interest on the remainder. At this card\u2019s standard APR, that\u2019s a quick way to rack up expensive interest charges.<\/p>\n
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Annual fee<\/p>\n
$0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Welcome offer<\/p>\n
Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months (bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou\u00ae points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Card type(s)<\/p>\n
Cash-back<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Purchase APR<\/p>\n
19.24% – 29.24% variable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Introductory APR<\/p>\n
0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Recommended credit score<\/p>\n
Good to Excellent<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Rewards rate<\/p>\n
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- 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back after that)<\/li>\n
- 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel\u2120<\/li>\n
- 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Benefits<\/p>\n
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- No annual fee<\/li>\n
- As your spending changes, your rewards adjust automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories each billing cycle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
Why we like it:<\/strong> The Citi Custom Cash is another card with different options for earning its highest rewards rate. But instead of opting into your choice category, you\u2019ll automatically earn the 5% cash back in the category you spend most each month. If you have an upcoming project that requires spending at home improvement stores, you may want to dedicate this card solely to those purchases to get your 5% back.<\/p>\n
Definitely consider this card\u2019s spending limits, though. The Custom Cash Card may be best for projects that extend over a few months, since you\u2019ll only get the full 5% cash back on your first $500 spent in the top category. Each billing cycle, the 5% cap resets. So while you\u2019ll only get a maximum $25 back in your 5% category every month, you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities to keep earning it over time.<\/p>\n
Read our full review of the Citi Custom Cash Card<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
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Annual fee<\/p>\n
$0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Welcome offer<\/p>\n
None<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Card type(s)<\/p>\n
Student, Credit-builder<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Purchase APR<\/p>\n
25.24%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Benefits<\/p>\n
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- Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account (and remain enrolled for at least 90 days)<\/li>\n
- A total balance of at least $250 in Chase checking or savings accounts can increase your chances of approval<\/li>\n
- Track your credit score with Chase Credit Journey<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
Why we like it:<\/strong> If you\u2019re looking to save on your home improvement project while building credit at the same time, the Chase Freedom Rise could be a good option. With this starter credit card, you\u2019ll have the chance to track your credit score and can qualify for a credit line increase after just six months.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also no annual fee, and you can earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase \u2014 no matter where you spend. One thing to note: This card doesn\u2019t have an introductory 0% APR period. Make sure you\u2019re able to pay your balances each month so you can avoid the Freedom Rise\u2019s steep variable APR. Even better, opt into automatic payments so you can earn the $25 bonus and never miss a due date.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s useful to compare different credit cards to find one that will save you the most money over the course of your home project and beyond. Here are some important details to consider:<\/p>\n
Because you\u2019ll probably be spending more than you otherwise would, your home improvement project is a great opportunity to maximize your purchases and put money back in your pocket. Focus on cards that offer either flat rewards across any spending category or those that specifically reward home improvement spending.<\/p>\n
With flat rewards, you can earn up to 2% cash back or 2x miles on every dollar you spend. Whether you\u2019re shopping at a home improvement store, placing an order online, paying a contractor, or paying any other expense you can charge to a card, you\u2019re guaranteed to get the maximum amount back.<\/p>\n
Cards with home improvement rewards categories, on the other hand, may offer a higher 3% to 5% back on purchases you make specifically with home improvement retailers. For every other purchase, you\u2019ll typically earn a 1% return. If you know what purchases you need to make and they fit within a home improvement category, this can be a great way to get the most out of your project cost. These cards often have a range of other top-earning categories, too \u2014 so you can continue to use them on regular spending even after your project is complete.<\/p>\n
If earning rewards on home improvement spending is your top priority, here are some other options you may want to consider. These include both cards with home improvement rewards categories and top flat cash-back rates:<\/p>\n
An introductory 0% APR offer is ideal for funding a large upcoming purchase. Whether you\u2019ll need to stock up on different supplies for your project or you\u2019re buying some big-ticket items, a 0% APR offers extra time before you need to pay it off.<\/p>\n
Many intro offers today range from 12 months to 18 months, with some as high as 21 months \u2014 or nearly two years interest-free. Throughout that time, you won\u2019t take on any interest on new purchases you charge to your card. You can chip away at the balance without having to worry about it growing larger from interest charges.<\/p>\n
But if you\u2019re unable to pay off your credit card balance in full by the time the intro period ends, you\u2019ll start to accrue interest at your card\u2019s regular variable APR. To avoid high-interest debt, always track your balances and budget enough money throughout the intro period to ensure you can pay off your project in time.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking for the longest available intro APR periods for new purchases today, these are some other top picks:<\/p>\n
Instead of a general cash-back credit card or rewards credit card, you may also consider a retail card from your favorite home improvement store.<\/p>\n
These cards often come with discounts and financing options, too \u2014 but in most cases, home improvement store cards offer either<\/em> savings on your purchase or <\/em>special financing, unlike the cards on our list, which offer both rewards on your spending and introductory 0% APRs.<\/p>\n
Take the MyLowe\u2019s Rewards Credit Card, for example. When you make an eligible Lowe\u2019s purchase with the card, you can choose to get 5% off or opt into one of two financing plans, depending on your total. If you spend $299 or more, you can get six months of special financing and pay no interest as long as you pay in full over that time. If you spend $2,000 or more, you can choose an 84-month fixed monthly payment plan with a reduced 9.99% APR (the ongoing purchase APR is 31.99%). Remember \u2014 if you choose either of these financing options, you won\u2019t earn the 5% discount.<\/p>\n
Special financing offers differ from introductory 0% APR offers, though. They\u2019re often deferred interest plans. That means if you don\u2019t pay your purchase off in full by the end of the promotional period, not only will the remaining balance begin to accrue interest, but you\u2019ll also have to pay interest on the full purchase going back to the purchase date.<\/p>\n
Here are some cards from home improvement retailers with either rewards on your spending or promotional financing offers:<\/p>\n
These are some of the benefits and drawbacks to think about before you use a credit card for your project:<\/p>\n
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Save money with rewards:<\/strong> Whether you choose a card with cash back, points, or miles, you can potentially score a big return with your spending. Let\u2019s say you spend $5,000, and you\u2019re able to earn 3% rewards over the course of your project timeline \u2014 that\u2019s $150 back on your home improvement costs alone. Just remember to pay down the balance before interest charges accrue, which could wipe out the value of your rewards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Take advantage of intro APR periods:<\/strong> Taking on any home improvement job can be stressful, but having extra time to pay off your expenses interest-free can help alleviate some of the pressure. While you should have a plan in place before starting your project, a card with a 0% intro APR can be useful if you need some extra time to save up the full cost. Many cards offer intro periods longer than a full year or more before interest kicks in on new purchases.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Long-term spending:<\/strong> Don\u2019t just focus on the short-term benefits. If you\u2019re thinking about opening a new credit card to fund your home projects, make sure it offers some long-term value, too. Many of our top home improvement cards come with a range of rewards categories (or flat rewards on every purchase) to make it easy to continue to maximize spending even after you finish your reno.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Rewards caps:<\/strong> Many cards with top rewards in home improvement categories cap your high-rate earnings after you spend a certain amount. While you can still earn 1% rewards on those purchases, you\u2019ll have to wait until the next billing cycle or quarter (depending on your card\u2019s terms) to earn the boosted rate again. If you need to make your home improvement purchases in a limited time frame, you could lose some potential rewards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Special financing risks:<\/strong> Always read the terms and conditions of your credit card\u2019s financing options before you opt-in. The majority of cards with introductory 0% APR offers will only begin to accrue interest on any remaining balance after the intro period ends. But, some cards (typically retail cards with special financing) use deferred interest, which may require you to pay interest on the full balance going back to your purchase date if you still have a balance at the end of the promotional period.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Alternative financing options:<\/strong> Credit cards aren\u2019t the only way to fund a home improvement project. A personal loan with a relatively low interest rate can be useful for larger projects, for example. Or you can tap into the equity you\u2019ve built up in your home over time using a home equity line of credit (HELOC). While a credit card can have some great perks for home improvement, these other financing options may be a better fit, depending on your situation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To determine the best credit cards for home improvement, we began by determining a set of criteria to look for in all of our picks and used that to find the overall best cards within each sub-category.<\/p>\n
First, each of the cards on our list has no annual fee. Because home improvement projects are already expensive, we eliminated cards that would increase the cost burden. While there are some highly rewarding cards with annual fees \u2014 and even some that may be valuable for home improvement \u2014 we wanted the cards on our list to help reduce costs as much as possible.<\/p>\n
Next, while only one card on our list is specifically chosen for its long intro APR period, we prioritized card picks across categories that offer a 0% APR on new purchases for some length of time. While not everyone taking on a home project will need this benefit, it does offer a safety net for the large costs and ballooning budgets that these projects can often incur.<\/p>\n
With the exception of our top 0% APR pick, we only included cards that earn more than the standard 1% on costs associated with home improvements. Not every option will work for everyone\u2019s project \u2014 one rewards online purchases only, while another limits rewards to specific home improvement stores, for example \u2014 but each card on our list offers valuable rewards related to home spending.<\/p>\n
Finally, we gave preference to cards that offer value on your spending even after your project is complete. These rewards cards don\u2019t only offer a return on home improvement spending; they also carry a range of everyday categories to help you maximize the things you buy daily.<\/p>\n
This article was edited by <\/em>Alicia Hahn<\/em><\/p>\n
\nEditorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank\u2019s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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